Q: Thumping sounds while driving over sharp bumps

asked by on June 24, 2016

I have a high-mileage car with approximately 150,000 miles on it. It has an automatic transmission. It's been making some noises in the front end of the car on the left side. These thumping sounds occur when I hit a sharp bump during driving. Bumps are not the issue, but only sharp ones would cause the noise. At the shop, they had the struts replaced as they thought that was making the noise. It didn't help however. The noise can be heard only from the inside of the car. I went to the dealer and had the strut bushings and top links replaced, as they were bad. I had the alignment checked as well. It was fine. I checked every part I could, including bolts and lower ball joints as well as the exhaust. There are no loose parts either. The car steering is fine. The sound is still noticeable. Besides sharp bumps, the sound is also heard if I drive slowly over a sharp speed bump, making the noise at the end of the speed bump. It sounds like something heavy. Do you have any idea what could be making this thumping noise? Thanks.

Clunking noise when I drive over bumps Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The only part you did not mention (and the most likely cause of the problem) is the inside lower control arm bushings are bad. I would also check the steering gear mount bushings for excessive wear. Both of these bushings would be felt through the floor when hitting bumps. Have the bushings and lower ball joint checked for any looseness or rubber cracks and replace as needed. A certified mobile mechanic from YourMechanic can diagnose and repair these problems as needed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

OBD not working
Hi there. If the OBD port is not working then most of the time this is caused by a loss of power to the plug. The fuse to the plug needs to be checked first to see if it is...
Headlights stay on
Hello. This sounds like the headlight switch is faulty. You might also want to check to make sure you have the headlight switch in either the auto position, or the off position. If the headlight switch is left in the...
Truck will not turn left or right
Depending on how the vehicle was hit, the steering gear may have been broken. I recommend having a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, check out your steering issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/steering-wheel-does-not-turn-car-inspection) to identify and quote the repairs needed.
P0455 Code
The code P0455 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0455-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-gross-leak-evaporative-emission-by-john-nelson) is an indication that the fuel system cannot hold vapor pressure when it is put into testing. This means you have a leak somewhere. Since you did not have the issue before you had worked on...
My check engine light came on with code P0303 (Misfire in the 3rd Cylinder), Can I drive it until next Wednesday without damage?
To replace the spark plugs for all cylinders will be in the $200 to $300 dollar range depending on location parts and labor pricing. The price does not include additional parts or labor.
My car's gear won't shift. Only neutral works. I just changed the transmission fluid.
Hello and thank you for your question. When you changed your transmission fluid, you need to ask yourself what the color of the fluid was when it drained out. If the fluid was very dark or black, then when putting...
engine to transmission bolts are not coming through the flex plate holes.
Hi there. The torque converter is at an angle and is not aligning up properly. Remove the starter if you have not done so and bar the flex plate over to turn the engine slowly. When you see the bolt...
hey Jay. I have a vw jetta 2011 4 cyl. my car has 60,000 miles was driving and felt a slight hesitation when accelerating uphill.
Diagnostic Trouble Code P0303 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0303-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-3-misfire-detected-by-spencer-clayton_2) means that Cylinder No. 3 is misfiring but the causes of that misfiring can be very varied. The other Code that you probably saw, namely P0304, just refers to the same misfiring but it is...
I was told that p1273 code for my 2004 Nissan maxima is gonna keep coming on until I get oxygen sensor from actual Nissan dealersh
Hi there. When it comes to replacing O2 sensors or any other sensor, it is always recommended to use an OEM or original equipment manufacturer replacement part. The sensor is designed to collect data and transmit it through an electrical...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Infiniti QX56
If If you want an SUV that offers comfortable seating for the entire family, a luxuriously smooth, enjoyable ride and the ability to tow all those toys when you go on vacation, the 2012 Infiniti QX56 might be your answer....
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Differential / Gear Oil
If your car has exceeded its gear oil service interval, or if you hear the differential whining, you may need to replace the differential/gear oil.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing PCV Valve Hose
Common signs include poor fuel economy, the Check Engine Light coming on, engine misfires while idling, and noise from the engine.